But, there is one Christmas tree that is different. It's in Finland and belongs to Paula Korhonen. And, Paula's Christmas tree is not only decorated with balls, candles, and chains, it's covered with family history as well. And, this is a tradition that goes back a very long way.
The decorations on Paula's tree were made not only by herself, but her grandmother, her mother, her daughter, and, now, even her granddaughter as well. And, these decorations were all made at school and all very simple.
And, this wonderful collection shows not only bright decorations, it shows changes as well.
The first decorations, made by Paula's grandmother, were made out of cardboard and ribbons, then, along the way came bottle-tops, silver paper, matchsticks, and everything else one can think of as well. And, interestingly, the last decorations to arrive started life as aluminium capsules for coffee. Now, they are beautiful stars. Industrial rubbish had become very colourful. Finland, like the rest of the world, is changing as well.
But, hopefully, Paula Korhonen's family tradition won't change at all. This Christmassy Finnish family tradition is not only unique, it's also a chain that connects generations.
And, this is something you could do, too. Trees will always be part of our Christmas. Why not make your Christmas tree a family tree, too? Your grandchildren's children, I'm sure, will not only be thankful, but happy to pass on this tradition to their children as well.
Christmas has always been family. And, Paula Korhonen is keeping a tradition alive that has been in her family for a very long time. Decorations that have come in from the past and are on their way into the future as well. Christmas trees are beautiful things – they are the past, the present and future of Christmas.
Paula Korhonen and a Finish Family Tradition.
No comments:
Post a Comment